How to Solve USB Driver and Hardware Problems

If you do experience problems, following these steps might solve them:

1. Restart the computer. Some software might require the computer to be restarted before functioning properly. Additionally, restarting the computer forces Windows to detect the USB hardware again.
2. Install updated driver software, if available. Check Windows Update and the hardware manufacturer's Web site for updates.
3. Uninstall the device's driver and software, disconnect the USB device, restart the computer, and then follow the manufacturer's instructions to reinstall the software. Many USB devices require a driver. Typically, the driver should be installed before connecting the USB device. If you are experiencing problems with a USB device, the most likely cause is a driver problem. For information on how to troubleshoot the driver problem, see the section titled "How to Troubleshoot Driver Problems" earlier in this tutorial. External storage devices such as USB flash drives and external hard drives typically do not require a driver, because the required software is built into Windows.
4. Disconnect the USB device and reconnect it to a different USB port. This can cause Windows to detect the device as new and reinstall required drivers. Additionally, this will solve problems related to a specific USB port, such as a failed port or power limitations.
5. Replace the USB cable with a new cable or a different cable that you know works properly.